The review of the Human Resource Management (HRM) Framework by the Office of the Public Service Commission (PSC) through the assistance of the Technical Assistance (TA) Facility Fund is underway.

The existing framework has not been reviewed since it was developed during the PSC’s Institutional Strengthening Program (under the auspices of the AusAID), which was part of the Samoa Public Sector (SPS) HRM reforms that took place from 1999-2003.

The review is divided into three phases with Phase 1 which is led by consultant Dr. Willy McCourt; which started in mid-January 2018 and is nearing completion. Dr. Willy McCourt conducted an assessment of the existing HRM Framework in the public service and an analysis of HRM systems and practices currently in operation for all of the 54 government agencies comprising the SPS.

The review is a key activity under the Public Administration Sector Plan for Samoa 2013/14 – 2017/18 (PASP), which includes a commitment to (1) 2.2.1 Review the existing HRM Framework; and (2) 2.2.2 Develop a unified HRM Policy/Strategy for the Whole of Government including mainstreaming of gender issues.

This work is expected to contribute to the realisation of the One Public Sector-One Vision for Good Governance-One Policy work, also led by the PSC in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

It would also entail looking into further devolution of HR operational functions administered by the PSC. This will help support the PSC’s internal functional review as it moves to place more emphasis on the provision of strategic HRM advice, policy and human resource training and development. The activity is expected to be completed by June 2018.